Concerns have lately been raised concerning the danger of contamination of waterways by parasiticides generally utilized in companion animals. As these merchandise are dangerous to a variety of invertebrates, the affect that these can have on wildlife and ecosystems can’t be dismissed.
iCatCare/ISFM help the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) coverage place on the accountable use of parasiticides for cats and canines and the suggestions made on this coverage.
Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM commented ‘While cats are more likely to be decrease contributors to this environmental contamination as a result of they’re much less more likely to be bathed or to swim in waterways, effort ought to nonetheless be made to cut back the affect they do have’.
Because particular person cats could differ massively of their life (some residing fully indoors and a few looking frequently open air) and well being, iCatCare/ISFM advocate that a person danger evaluation is carried out yearly on all cats earlier than parasiticides are suggested. Other issues embody the kind of product prescribed (eg, single ingredient verses multi-ingredient), route of administration and, the place topical medicines are being given, homeowners ought to be suggested on how one can apply this medicine to cut back contamination to the broader coat and to the bodily surroundings.
BVA President Justine Shotton mentioned: ‘Veterinary professionals have a job to play in defending the surroundings, so BVA welcomes this supportive assertion from iCatCare and ISFM. It is actually optimistic to see one other organisation offering recommendation and steering to veterinary professionals and highlighting the challenges round these medicines. We consider it’s very important to proceed to encourage dialogue throughout the sector on the affect parasiticides can have on the planet and the way finest to make use of them responsibly.’
iCatCare/ISFM place assertion on the accountable use of parasiticides in cats might be discovered at: https://icatcare.org/app/uploads/2022/02/iCatCare-IFSM-Responsible-use-of-parasiticides-in-cats-position-statement.pdf
BVA, BSAVA and BVZS coverage place on accountable use of parasiticides for cats and canines might be discovered at: http://www.bva.co.uk/parasiticides
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I’m the feline behaviour specialist at feline charity ‘International Cat Care’. We are about participating, educating and empowering folks all through the world to enhance the well being and welfare of cats by sharing recommendation, coaching and keenness.
